Hey Boert, let me try this again.... I know that the situation there in the US is different; here in Canada, anyone with a permanent address and who shows they are actively looking for work (lots of ways around that)can collect welfare. That however, fails to help the homeless (another issue). Those who work for minimum wage do struggle, its a sad fact of life. Governments will always cater to the rich, always have, always will. We don't have to pay for health insurance, in fact it was only a couple of years ago that we actually had to start paying for eys-exams. I know the health-care issue has been a hot topic in your country of late. I think a big difference lies in governmental budget priorities, the USA seems a little too concerned with their millitary, and less about the people that millitary is designed to protect.... And I personally don't blame you one bit for wanting the government to subsidize your business, in fact, since small business makes up a far bigger chunk of the economy than big business, it should be a governmental priority. At the very least, allow the same tax-break considerations as the big guys. And I applaud you for running a business, and providing jobs for people; and the pay seems more than reasonable (judging by what similar work up here would pay). Its a shame even that isn't enough to live comfortably (everyone should have this right). I feel for the American people in the way that here you are, the richest country on earth, and there are so many people who can barely get by, if at all. But there are solutions, and they will take time and effort, I just wonder how hard the government is looking.    P.S....I would be interested in the stats regarding #working vs non-working poor in your country.